Royal Wedding: Kate Middleton’s dress was designed by Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen Studio

Royal bride Kate Middleton’s wedding dress is an ivory gown with lace applique floral detail designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, it was announced today. Made of ivory and white satin gazar, the skirt resembles “an opening flower” with white satin gazar arches and pleats. And Kate’s bridal flowers contain a touching tribute to her husband to-be – her bouquet includes sweet William.

The dress’s beautiful, intricate train measures just two metres 70 centimetres – modest in comparison to many previous royal brides. The train and bodice are decorated with delicate lace applique flowers, handcrafted using the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s